Monday, August 25, 2014

Pakistan Cleric Demands Gov't Step Down Among Widening Protests

It hasn't reached much of the domestic news, but Pakistan is also facing a government crisis. The government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been accused of rigging the elections last year. Now, information from the nation's Election Commission appears to justify this claim. Thousands have been rallying for over a week against the current government.

The protests are being led by leading cricket player Imran Khan, who lashed out at the United States.

"You like only those governments in Muslim countries that are your slaves," Mr. Khan said in remarks directed at the U.S. "Is there another democracy for you, and another for us?"

Now a populist cleric calls for the resignation of the government within 48 hours.

There is a real fear of a military coup if this continues. Over 30 members of Parliament have resigned over the crisis.